At Team Jak, we understand that cancer affects the whole family, whether it’s a child or young person who is receiving treatment, or it’s a parent or loved one living with the diagnosis. Throughout the cancer journey, we can offer wraparound support for everyone impacted, including siblings, parents, grandparents, carers, and the children of adults with cancer.
Through our unique range of emotional and practical support as well as opportunities to forge vital social connections, we are here to make sure no one feels out of their depth or alone.
Looking for support for your child, family, or a friend, or want to refer someone you know? Please get in touch today.
Team Jak delivers emotional and social support for all affected — parents, siblings, grandparents and children affected by a parent’s illness.
We offer access to experienced, registered counsellors who provide tailored emotional support on a group or 1:1 basis. Sessions can take place at several locations, including Jak’s Dens in Livingston, Aberdeen, and at our Glasgow pop-up. They’re also available online. Families can self-refer, or be referred by schools, hospitals, or healthcare teams.
Everyday life must of course continue during treatment. That’s why we offer practical support such as travel costs to our Livingston Jak’s Den for those on tight budgets, or help with tutoring and managing homework. Over the years, we’ve also helped cut the grass, do the shopping, cleaning, and ironing, and organise family celebrations. Our team is always open to exploring creative ways to help make life easier for our families — just contact us.
We also run a range of events and activities to help families connect socially with others who understand what they are going through. Whether you or someone in the family is newly diagnosed, in treatment, post-treatment, or bereaved, with Team Jak at your side you are never alone.
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the whole family feels the impact. Parents and carers often carry the heaviest emotional weight while also trying to keep life going for everyone else. Grandparents and extended family members are often the quiet strength behind the scenes, stepping in to support siblings, hold routines together, and offer comfort in the toughest times. Here’s some of what we do at Team Jak to help.
Twilight sessions: Friendly, informal sessions hosted in our Jaks’ Dens where parents, carers, and grandparents enjoy mindfulness, take part in activities, have a cuppa and a chat, and connect with others who truly understand.
Wellbeing Sessions: A chance — particularly for mums, grans, and aunties — to take time out in the Team Jak Pamper Pod at our Livingston Jak’s Den. Have a relaxing massage or facial, or join a mindfulness or yoga session while your children enjoy themselves in the Den.
Mums’ Days: Creative and relaxing sessions at our Livingston Jak’s Den just for mums, grans, aunties and carers. A time to pause, connect and feel understood.
Dads’ Sessions: Golf, go-karting, clay pigeon shooting and more, giving our brilliant dads, grandads and male carers space to decompress, have fun, and speak freely with those on a similar journey.
Grandparents’ Days: Afternoon teas, bingo, dominoes and more for the grandparents who so often hold everyone together. These sessions offer comfort, companionship and connection.
When your brother or sister is diagnosed with cancer, everything changes — including your own world. At Team Jak, we understand that siblings often face uncertainty, worry, and shifting family dynamics, which can be hard to navigate. That’s why we offer a safe, supportive space just for them.
Super Sib Days: Our events and outings are designed to give siblings a break, a laugh, and the chance to meet others who get what they’re going through. Activities cover everything from cake decorating and bath bomb making to bowling and escape rooms.
Ongoing Support: We stay connected with siblings for as long as we’re needed, whether that’s through check-ins, creative sessions, or simply letting them know they’re not forgotten.
Gift Support: Siblings are included at birthdays and Christmas, milestone celebrations and seasonal treats because they deserve to be supported and celebrated too.
We’re here to help siblings feel less alone, more understood, and always part of our Team Jak family.
We provide emotional, social and practical support to children & young people with cancer, their families, friends and those bereaved
